Kristy Dorsey
| NewsQuest/Gannett
More than 3,600 golfers from around the world were successful in securing a last-minute tee time at the Old Course in St,. Andrews during the first year of a new digital draw system.
A quarter of the 14,489 golfers who applied were able to access tee times through the singles draw introduced in March 2024 by St. Andrews Links Trust, the custodian of the historic Old Course. The system gives individuals the chance to join existing groups of two or three who are pre-booked to play.
Previously, under a process used since the 1990s, single golfers who were not able to secure a tee time in another way could queue up outside the starter’s hut. Some players camped for up to 12 hours in the hope of securing a spot.
To protect the intention of the original singles queue, the new draw maintains the requirement for a golfer to be in St Andrews in person.
Applicants must enter their details in person at the Old Pavilion next to the first tee of the Old Course, or the St. Andrews Links Clubhouse, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. the day before they wish to play. As part of this, they must also submit a photograph of themselves in the Pavilion or Clubhouse as proof that they are seeking the time for themselves.
A random draw takes place at 5 p.m. on the day of registration and golfers are notified via text message and email if they have been allocated a tee time. Those offered a tee time must accept or decline within a specified timeframe.
“We are delighted that so many people have been able to enjoy playing the iconic Old Course as a result of the new, simplified and fair sign-up process,” said Laurie Watson, director of engagement at St Andrews Links Trust.
“The Links Trust is committed to doing all we can to increase access to golf and our world-famous courses, and modernising our functions is just one way we can support golfers to play.”
The majority of applicants during the first year of the new system – 6,592 – were from the U.S., with 2,966 being successful. A further 925 were from the UK, with 649 of them securing an Old Course tee time.
Other successful applicants included golfers from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Germany, France, Sweden and Ireland. On the busiest day, there were 227 entries.
